U.S. Senate Takes Action: Chemical Plant Security Bills Introduced
Two
bills that seek to reduce the risk of a terrorist attack on U.S. chemical
facilities and water treatment plants were delivered to the Senate June 15. A
Democratic Senator from New Jersey said the Secure Chemical Facilities Act and
Secure Water Facilities Act would obligate chemical, drinking water and
wastewater sites to analyze their exposure to a potential terrorist assault,
and devise courses of action to rectify any vulnerabilities. “This legislation
would close a gap that leaves millions of families vulnerable to an attack on
America’s chemical plants and water treatment facilities,” he said in released
remarks. “Terrorism experts identified chemical and water plants as one of the
top risks to our nation following the Sept. 11 attacks. When companies use chemicals
that put thousands of lives at risk, it is essential that they find safer ways
to do business.” Possible fixes could include lowering use of chlorine and
keeping lower levels of “lethal gases” on site. The bills would also: require
the safeguarding of sensitive, facility-security details while allowing for the
dissemination of information between first responders, employees and local and
state governments; empower area residents to make sure sites are in compliance
with security protocols; and provide some funding to address the expense of
analyzing plants’ exposure to attacks and to establish new safeguards.
More
on chemical plant security at www.securitymagazine.com